Pavelski Ends Scoring Drought In Sharks’ 4-3 Win

Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

SAN JOSE (CBS / AP) ― Joe Pavelski scored for the first time in nine games, Joe Thornton had his first point in four games and the San Jose Sharks held on to beat the Calgary Flames 4-3 at HP Pavilion on Saturday night.

Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture also scored for the Sharks, who have won three of four.

Couture had a career-high three points, adding a pair of assists, as he continues to flourish on the second line with Clowe and Pavelski.

“I feel like the puck is falling for me in the offensive zone,” Couture said. “Clowe is such a great playmaker and goal scorer that things are going well for me.”

Sharks coach Todd McLellan said, “They have been our best line. They’re around the net, and when you’re playing as hard and doing the right things as they’ve been, eventually you’re going to get rewarded.”

Antti Niemi started for the second time since Oct. 27, recording 28 saves for his second win in six decisions. Ex-Shark Miikka Kiprusoff took the loss despite 31 saves.

“After facing a few shots, I started feeling pretty comfortable,” Niemi said. “I’ve been trying to work on the basic things, and hard work always pays off.”

Pavelski, the team’s leader in shots, missed on his previous 67 attempts before connecting in the second period on a rebound.